In a glitzy awards ceremony on September 18 in Stratford Upon Avon, an annual meeting of markets took place to celebrate our market culture.



Under the spotlights Fleetwood Market was awarded the accolade “Market Innovation of the Year.”

The annual event organised by NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities) is a celebration of our market culture. Through their Great British Markets Awards, regional conferences and Love your Local Market, NABMA is aware that we have some wonderful markets in the UK. Many operators are presenting stories of innovation, partnership, investment and new styles of management. Markets are recognised as a true asset in terms of the community contribution, as a footfall generator and as valuable outlets for entrepreneurship and start-up businesses.

At the annual awards dinner, NABMA celebrates the achievements of a number of people who have made significant contributions to local markets and the markets industry generally.

It also provides NABMA with the opportunity to express its appreciation to various people and organisations who have helped NABMA to promote and support the markets industry on the national stage.

Julian Brent, Markets Manager and the wider markets team have been working towards the delivery of an online shopping space to boost sales for Fleetwood market traders.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, NABMA’s judging panel rewarded the efforts of the market team and announced the project “Market Innovation of the Year.”

“We wanted to offer market shoppers the chance to buy whenever suited them, not just during our opening times here at the market but at midnight too, should the urge take you!” says Julian of the website. “By creating this unique auction style website for market traders they can generate sales out of hours by having a presence on the online platform.”

Whilst in its infancy, the website should generate many sales for market traders as more and more sign up to the initiative and get online.

“We want to support our traders and help their businesses experience continued growth and success. Offering training and guidance to them on how to use the online market place, is one way we can do this.”

Speaking of the awards, Hilary Paxman, Chief Executive at NABMA adds: “NABMA's Market Innovation Award is intended to recognise market operators who promote new ideas in the running of markets. Many markets are seeking to embrace new technology and the judging panel was greatly impressed by the Fleetwood Market online shop which combines a modern approach to retailing with support from CAB to assist with the training of traders. The Fleetwood model is one we would commend to markets across the country.”

The online shopping site is at the early stages of implementation but can be found at https://www.fleetwoodmarket.co.uk/ Browsers should see more items becoming available on there during the run up to the busy shopping period. Those preferring to visit Fleetwood Market in person should notice the new Citizen’s Advice Bureau and other customer service areas over the coming months, including IT training areas for market traders and other visitors to make use of.

Our market opening times are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round from 9am – 4.30pm including bank holidays and Tram Sunday.